Forklift Operator

Position Overview Kerr Squared, LLC is seeking a skilled and safety-conscious Heavy Equipment & Combilift Operator to manage raw material movement, structural staging, and yard logistics. This position handles extra-long, heavy structural steel members—primarily 60-foot structural beams, channels, and heavy plate packages —navigating narrow yard aisles and feeding active fabrication lines. Important Experience Note: This is not a standard warehouse or distribution center position. Standard pallet jack or dry-warehouse sit-down forklift experience will not be considered qualifying. Candidates must have proven, verifiable experience safely operating multidirectional forklifts (e.g., Combilift, Hubtex) or heavy-duty rough-terrain/side-loading material handlers moving long structural steel shapes or heavy industrial profiles.Key Responsibilities Long-Load Handling: Safely lift, transport, and rack extra-long structural steel members (up to 60'+ W-beams, HSS, channels, and angles) utilizing multidirectional Combilifts in narrow aisles and across uneven yard terrain. Shop Feed & Machine Loading: Transport raw structural shapes directly to saw lines, drill lines, burn tables, and fitter/welder layout stations safely and efficiently to support continuous production flow. Receiving & Yard Staging: Assist in offloading flatbed trailers; place incoming structural steel shapes on level, aligned dunnage to prevent beam camber deflection, rolling, or moisture entrapment. Finished Assembly Transport: Move heavy welded assemblies, trusses, and fabricated columns from shop finish/paint bays to designated outbound staging bays without damaging coatings, connection plates, or shop primer. Trailer Loading Assistance: Work alongside the Shipping & Receiving Manager to stage, balance, and load sequenced structural freight onto flatbeds and step-decks, ensuring proper weight distribution and wood blocking/dunnage placement. Daily Equipment Inspections: Perform pre-shift and post-shift inspections on Combilifts and yard equipment (fluid levels, hydraulic lines, tires, steering modes, load-holding valves, horn, lights); log maintenance checklists daily and report issues immediately. Yard Safety & Housekeeping: Enforce strict ground-personnel clearance zones while transporting long loads; maintain clean, unobstructed crane pathways, drive lanes, and designated drop/remnant racks. Required Qualifications & Experience Specialized Operating Experience: Minimum of 2–3 years of verifiable experience operating multidirectional forklifts (Combilift preferred) , side-loaders, or heavy industrial forklifts handling long, cantilevered, non-palletized steel loads (30' to 60'+ lengths). Industrial Environment: Proven background working in a structural steel fabrication plant, heavy steel service center, rail yard, or heavy industrial yard. (Standard indoor distribution/warehouse pallet moving does not qualify). Rigging & Balance Awareness: Strong mechanical aptitude regarding center of gravity, load-deflection dynamics, pinch points, and dunnage stabilization for structural W-shapes and plate packages. Safety Mindset: Uncompromising adherence to yard safety standards, pedestrian right-of-way, horn-warning protocols at blind shop corners, and load-capacity limitations. Physical Capability: Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, safely mount/dismount equipment frequently, and assist with rigging, banding, and placing heavy dunnage (lifting up to 50 lbs as needed). Communication: Clear, active communication with ground spotters, crane operators, saw operators, and the yard management team. Pay: $16.00 - $25.00 per hour Work Location: In person

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